Guide to Cold Treats for Hot Charleston Days!

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I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! And popsicles, smoothies, juices, or anything else that will keep us cool in the hot Charleston sun! We put together a list of our contributors’ favorite local spots for cold treats. What would you add to the list?

Don’t forget to check out our Ultimate Guide to Summer for all the things to do, see, and eat in the Lowcountry over the next few months!

Ice Cream

Baskin-Robbins

With multiple locations in the Charleston area, this popular ice cream chain is a great place to stop for a cup, cone, sundae, or ice cream cake. Check their deals page for coupons, specials, and a free birthday scoop.

Ben and Jerry’s Scoop Shops

Ben and Jerry’s scoop shops serve up your favorite flavors in cones, cups, sundaes, and milkshakes. They have two locations in Charleston: one in the heart of Market Street and the other on Isle of Palms.

Cirsea Ice Cream

Based in West Ashley, Cirsea makes premium handmade ice cream. Cirsea’s scoops, pints, and ice cream sandwiches can be found at restaurants, cafes, and stores around the Lowcountry. You can also order online for delivery straight to your door.

Izzy’s Scoops and Sweets

1960 Riviera Dr. Suite E, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464

Located in Mt Pleasant in the Seaside Shopping Center, Izzy’s is a perfect place for an afternoon snack or after-dinner treat. They serve lunch items, ice cream, milkshakes, and offer an array of tasty desserts, specializing in Greek Desserts. Try the Baklava Sundae – yum!

The Ice Cream Team

Check their Facebook page to see where The Ice Cream Team truck is headed next! You can also book them for events and parties!

Jeni’s King Street

501-A King St, Charleston, SC 29403

An Ohio-based ice cream chain, Jeni’s, features adventurous flavors made with seasonal ingredients.

Kilwins

59 S. Market St., Charleston, SC 29401

Stop in to their location on Market Street for ice cream, waffle cones, and pecan pralines.

Luckhaus & Brubaker

1939 Maybank Highway, Charleston, SC 29412

Owned by two pastry chefs and masters of their craft, Luckhaus & Brubaker makes all of their sweets, pastries, and ice cream in-house.

Marble Slab

Marble Slab is known for its fun mix-in flavors and has two locations in the Charleston area.

Mora Iced Creamery 

346 King St., Charleston, SC 29401

A modern ice cream shop with decadent and creamy flavors.

Off Track Ice Cream

6 Beaufain Street, Charleston, SC 29401

Opened in 2019, Off Track Ice Cream, has quickly become a local favorite. They make their ice creams by hand and use fresh ingredients from local farmers. Off Track also has an impressive selection of vegan flavors and even has options for vegan sundaes and ice cream sandwiches.

Vegan Chocolate PB Swirl Ice Cream at Off Track Ice Cream. Image Credit: Off Track Ice Cream via Instagram

Park Circle Creamery

1069 E Montague Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405

A neighborhood favorite, Park Circle Creamery, makes all of its delicious ice creams in-house with fresh local ingredients.

Republic Ice Cream & Custard

431 King St., Charleston, SC 29403

2120 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island, SC 29484

With locations on King Street and on Sullivan’s Island, Republic Ice Cream is a great place to stop for a scoop during a day of sightseeing downtown or beach-going.

Ye Ole Fashioned Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop

A Lowcountry staple, Ye Old Fashioned, has six shops in the Charleston area, each serving a wide selection of sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, and of course ice cream at a great value. Locals love their banana split sundaes and milkshakes! They also have great vegan options!


Gelato

BeardCat Sweet Shop

2063 Middle St. Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482

Located right below The Obstinate Daughter on Sullivan’s Island, stop into BeardCat Sweet Shop for delicious gelato and strong coffee.

Belgian Gelato

6 Vendue Range Charleston, SC 29401

A tasty gelato stop located right beside Waterfront Park downtown.

Carmella’s Cafe and Dessert Bar

198 E Bay St #100, Charleston, SC 29401

Carmella’s Cafe and Dessert Bar serves all sorts of yummy desserts and cocktails, making it a favorite spot for a sweet treat after sightseeing, shopping, or dinner. Did you know they also won “Best Gelato” in the Charleston City Paper’s 2021 Best of Charleston Awards?

An epic Gelato Sundae at Carmella’s Dessert Bar. Image Credit: Carmella’s Dessert Bar via Instagram

Freddo Gelato

239 1/2 King St, Charleston, SC 29401

A traditional Italian gelato shop in the heart of the lower King Street shopping district.

Marion’s Gelato

Gelato made in Mount Pleasant using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Check their website to find where they are or place an order.


Frozen Yogurt

The Lowcountry has two frozen yogurt chains with locations throughout Charleston.

Sweet Frog Frozen Yogurt

Click here to find the Sweet Frog store nearest you.

TCBY

Click here to find the TCBY store nearest you.


Pops and Ice

King of Pops

King of Pops makes a variety of delicious, simple flavors. You can rent a cart, order online, or find them at local events and shops. 

Kona Ice Charleston

The Kona Ice truck features shaved ice and fun flavorings and can be booked for an event or found at various locations around Charleston. Find where they are on their Facebook page.

Pelican’s SnoBalls

Pelican’s SnoBalls serves soft, fluffy snow cones with over 100 fun flavors. Find the location closest to you here.

Puma’s Italian Ice Shack

115 E Richardson Ave, Summerville, SC 29483

Located in downtown Summerville, Puma’s Italian Ice Shack is family-owned and operated, serving water and cream Italian ice, and hot dogs. Follow them on Facebook for updates.

Italian ice flavors at Puma’s Italian Ice Shack in Summerville. Image Credit: Puma’s Italian Ice Shack via Instagram

Unique Frozen Treats

The Co-Op

2019 Middle St, Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482

1515 Palm Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC 29451

A cool treats guide wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the infamous frosé at The Co-Op. And for the kids, they recently added soft-serve ice cream to the menu at both locations.

Holy Rolly Charleston Food Truck & Catering

Holy Rolly Charleston specializes in the art of rolled ice cream, making sundaes, ice cream tacos, and even ice cream sushi! Check here to find their food truck!

The Oreo rolled ice cream taco from The Holly Rolly Charleston Food Truck. Image Credit: Holly Rolly Charleston via Instagram

Peace Pie

223 Meeting St., Charleston, SC 29401

Peace Pies are ice cream sandwiches with a yummy addition: pie fillings! Stop by their shop downtown to try one!

The Pineapple Hut

103 W Erie Ave, Folly Beach, SC 29439

No need to wait for a trip to Disney to enjoy a Pineapple Dole Whip. Head over to The Pineapple Hut on Folly Beach for their pineapple whips, soft serves, and floats.

Pineapple Dole Whip at The Pineapple Hut. Image Credit: The Pineapple Hut via Instagram

Smoothies, Juices, and Bowls

Blend Juice Bar

320 W Coleman Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464

Blend Juice Bar is locally owned and operated serving cold-pressed juices and smoothies, full of nutrients and antioxidants.

Brava Bowls

The bright purple Brava Bowls truck makes delicious smoothies and açai bowls with a variety of fresh seasonal toppings. You can find the truck parked at farmer’s markets and other locations across Charleston. Check their Facebook page to see where they’re at next!

Eucalyptus Wellness Company

920 Houston Northcutt Blvd A1, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464

Tucked inside of Eucalyptus Wellness & Company in Mt Pleasant is the Elixir Bar where you can order healthy and colorful juices, smoothies, and açai bowls.

Smoothies at the Elixir Bar inside of Eucalyptus Wellness in Mt. Pleasant. Image Credit: Eucalyptus Wellness via Instagram

Huriyali

401 Huger St, Charleston, SC 29403

A contributor favorite, Huriyali’s smoothies, and bowls are a must-try!

Hustle Smoothie Bar

1240 Belk Dr. Suite 100, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464

From the creator of Blender Bombs, Hustle Smoothie Bar in Towne Center serves smoothies, bowls, and coffee. They also carry vegan and gluten-free products.

The Main Squeeze

656 Long Point Rd Unit C, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464

Located in the Belle Hall Shopping Center, visit The Main Squeeze for a fresh selection of smoothies, juices, and snacks.

Playa Bowls

429 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

For a healthy lunch or quick cool snack, while you’re shopping downtown, Playa Bowls offers bowls, smoothies, and juices.

Tres Palmas Açai

700 S Shelmore Blvd #101, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464

You can grab your smoothies and açai bowls from their storefront in Mt P. or from their shiny silver trailer around town. Follow them on Instagram to see hours and their trailer’s location.

What’s your favorite Charleston area spot for cold treats?